Above photo circa 1907, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, May 2000, kindly sent by Philip Dymott.

Above photo circa 2011.

Above sign left, May 1986, sign right 2010.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo showing the demolition in work.

Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 12 July 1892.

Charge of Assault.

Alfred Hall, landlord of the "Colyers Arms," Betham, Southfleet, was charged with assaulting Robert Wakeman and Philip Letchford, at Greenstreet Green, on July 6th.

Mr Waller, of Bromley, appeared for the complainants, and Mr Ridley, of Dartford, represented the defendant.

Robert Wakeman said he went into the "White Hart," Greenstreet Green, and saw the defendant. A conversation took place about an old transaction, and he called defendant a rogue. Defendant said if he said that again he would smash him. He said it was true, whatever happened. Upon that defendant struck him in the face and followed him into the parlour, where he continued to strike him and kick him, inflicting serious injuries on the face and the body. (The witness has black eyes, and his face was much bruised and cut.)

Philip Letchfield, who also lives at Longfield, said he went into the "White Hart" and saw the defendant's striking Wakeman. He called out to him to hold hard, and then Hall struck him, knocking one have his teeth out.

Mr Ridley said defendant had sued the complainant Wakeman in the County Court, at Dartford, on Wednesday, and had obtained a judgement against him. Upon defendant coming out of the Court Wakeman assaulted him with all kinds of abuse, calling him a rogue and a thief, and other abusive and provocative names. When he left Dartford to go home Wakeman followed him, and when he stopped at the "White Hart," Greenstreet Green, went into that house after him, and there continued his abuse, and repeated the slanderous remarks which he made at Dartford, exciting defendant to strike him. He admitted that an assault has been committed, but it was done under the circumstances that a very small fine would, he submitted, meets the merits of the case. He called evidence to this effect.

The chairman, after consultation with his brother magistrates, said the Bench should come to the conclusion that they must convict in both cases.

In the first case they considered there was a great provocation and defendant would be find 6d without costs, and in the second case, considering the blow was struck in the excitement of the struggle, the fine would be 6d and costs.

From an email received, 25 November 2016.

The Colyer Arms was named after Riversdale Colyer - Ferguson the son of Sir Thomas Colyer - Fergusson the former owner of Wombwell Hall Gravesham who later purchased Ightham Mote in 1889, 6 of his children were born there.

The pub sign would depict the photo of Riversdale as an officer prior to his death, the sign would have been reproduced from a family photo supplied by his family and with their permission.

Riversdale spent all his childhood years at Ightham Mote, sadly he was killed serving with the Northamptonshire Regiment in Yypes he was awarded the V.C. (Victoria Cross) for his actions whilst on duty, we have his V.C. on display in our chapel.

Now as Riversdale was killed 21st July 1917, next year will be the centenary of his death at which time the N.T. and Ightham Mote will be holding memorials relating to that sad event therefore are we trying to acquire as much memorabilia as possible, the pub sign would be a wonderful item to show during those memorials.

I have to say I have tried Betsham Council also Gravesham Council but all to no avail.

I do hope you can help in some way to find the signs whereabouts or perhaps offer some advise.

Brian Davidson.

Above photo showing the location of the pub, kindly photographed and sent by Ian Goodrick, August 2017.